Forty-two seasons after he first appeared on a Topps hockey card, Gil Perreault is still considered by many to be the face of the Buffalo Sabres franchise. The Hall of Famer’s impact on the game may not be appreciated by some younger fans, but his legend is secure as one of the all-time greats. This week, we’re offering a rare MINT 9 example of his 1970-71 Topps rookie card. #131 in the set, it represents the dawning of a new decade in hockey—and the start of an incredible career. It’s the last card in the set that features a player (#132 is a checklist). Currently, there are only 14 Perreault rookie cards graded 9 in PSA’s Population report and no 10s, making this an attractive target for vintage hockey card collectors seeking investment quality examples. Along with the Brad Park rookie card (which we offered last month), it’s one of the two key cards in the ’70-71 set. Perreault was the number one pick in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, taken by the expansion Sabres franchise. The Sabres got the pick after selecting a number on a spinning wheel. Their choice--#11—is what Perreault wore on his back throughout his career. He would win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in ’71 and was named to nine all-star teams. Before his career ended in 1986, after 17 years (all with Buffalo), he would score 100 points in a season on two occasions. He’s still among the franchise leaders in several statistical categories and was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. We’re not sure what this card will sell for but we’re certain that early 70s vintage hockey cards are a bit underrated. As time continues to pass, few high grade examples are showing up and opportunities to add them to your collection are few and far between.
